Obituary
James Norman Garson
James Norman Garson February 3, 1935 – May 14, 2026
James Norman Garson, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Jim was born on February 3, 1935, in Osseo, Wisconsin to Norman and Josephine (Hestekin) Garson. He graduated from Whitehall Memorial High School in 1954 and married his high school sweetheart, Constance Anderson, on July 11 of that same year — beginning a beautiful marriage and life together that spanned more than 71 years.
Together, Jim and Connie built a life centered on love, laughter, family, and countless memories. They had six children and shared their home with many beloved pets throughout the years.
Jim was known for his incredible work ethic. He began working at just 12 years old pumping gas, later helping with his father’s dray company and working for Land O’ Lakes. In 1960, he began a long career in the concrete industry, where he worked as a dispatcher for 38 years before retiring in 1998 at age 62.
Retirement didn’t last long for Jim. At age 64, he started what he proudly called his retirement job delivering auto parts for Car Quest. He worked there for another 23 years, finally retiring for good at age 87.
More than anything, Jim loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed boating, watching sports, sharing stories, and striking up conversations with just about anyone — especially strangers, who rarely stayed strangers for long. He appreciated life’s simple pleasures: being close to home, watching the news, and traveling with Connie to places like Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, Arizona, Las Vegas, and on cruises.
Jim will be remembered for his warm heart, quick smile, steady presence, and the joy he brought to everyday moments. His stories, laughter, kindness, and deep love for his family will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Holly Ann Garson; his parents, Norman and Josephine Garson; his brother, Richard (Darlene) Garson; and his sister, Marlene (Gary) Johnson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Connie Garson; his children, Stewart Garson, Bradley Garson, Thomas (Melissa) Garson, Jill (Colin) Fleming, and Matthew (Jennifer) Garson; grandchildren Joy Garson, Kenneth Garson, Ryan Garson, Mitchell Garson, Nikolai Fleming, Allison Garson, Brigette Fleming, and Peter Fleming; great-grandchildren Mason Strelow, Isabella Klapps, and Axel Klapps; his sister, Carolyn (Leon) Herried; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Gathering Place for Coulee Region Cremation, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a Christian service by Pastor Joanne Richmond from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
To view Jim’s memorial video click the link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/QLYCPZD2G7GHDFCD?e=1
jim was a wonderful next door neighbor. Always helpful and happy and willing to chat. Such a good hearted neighbor. He will truly be missed!
Tom and Melissa, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to the family. Jim and I were close friends from early child on through high school. What a guy. Don’t forget the popcorn stand he owned while in school. He taught me how to inhale a cigarette at Pete’s gas station. I thank him for that, because I never took up smoking. A lot of good memories.
Jimbo was my friend. Always could turn to him for advice and feedback on anything. Taught me wisdom on many life events and was always sincerely interested in everything I did. I miss him already and always will. I hit that jackpot with father-in-laws!!
Jim was a great guy,I had the pleasure of working with him at carquest auto parts he was a hard worker and pleasant to work with.I am grateful to have gotten to know him.
I love that Dad aka Jimbo left this planet like a Rock-Star! He said his good-byes, gave us each a hug and told us he loved us.
Then he brushed his teeth for the last time, threw his tooth brush into the garbage and said “I’ll see you all on the other side!” as he waved and headed to bed.
He was ready for his next chapter. He said he wasn’t afraid to die, because there were a lot of people he missed and was excited to see them again.
My heart hurts. I love you & miss you already Dad! ❤️ Your daughter, Jill ❤️
Grandpa Jim will be deeply missed. Many great memories!
Grandpa Jimbo taught me to take pride in your work, to care for your family, to find joy in whistling a simple tune, and that anything worth doing will “grow hair on your teeth”! Thank you, Grandpa, for the years of wisdom, silly jokes, and for building our beautiful family! I love you!
My favorite memory of Jim, was Christmas, 1984. He gave me a card, inside it said, “I love you” and, “I’m proud of you Brad,” another reason Christmas was my favorite holiday. – Brad
My favorite memory of Jim, was Christmas, 1984. He gave me a card, inside it said, “I love you” and, “I’m proud of you Brad,” another reason Christmas was my favorite holiday. – Brad. And if this sends, it will be a good day, too.